Iran has entered the second week of intense fighting following a joint US-Israeli assault that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and over 40 senior officials. Despite expectations in Washington and Tel Aviv of Tehran’s quick surrender, Iran continues to resist, launching missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US targets across the Middle East. The conflict, which began on February 28, has destabilized the region and disrupted global energy markets after Iran restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Security analysts cited in the report describe the war as a strategic gamble by the US and Israel that has instead strengthened Iran’s resolve. Experts note that Iran’s strategy focuses on prolonging the conflict to exhaust its adversaries economically and militarily. The country’s large missile and drone arsenal, along with regional allies such as Hezbollah and Hamas, has enabled sustained operations.

International reactions have been critical. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the war illegitimate, while Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned against turning Iran into a proxy battlefield. Analysts suggest the conflict could become Washington’s most perilous campaign in decades.